Step 12: Having had a Christian conversion experience, we now make ourselves available to be instruments of His peace.

Principle: Service

Christ prepared the Way. He created the ideal blueprint of how to live a Christ-like life. He told us that He and the Father are One and that we too can have this same relationship manifested in our lives when we reach out and love our neighbors as ourselves. In fact, we are intended to carry forth his ministry. He told us with great clarity, "You are the light of the world." When, we live these 12 steps as they are laid out, our actions will speak louder than our words. They will guide us in the demonstration of a Christ-like life. It is only when we are in service to others that we are able to give to others the many gifts we have received.

Text or Verse

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lamp stand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.Matthew 5:14-16

Lord make me an instrument of Thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is offence, pardon,
Where there is discord, unity,
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is error, truth,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is sadness, joy,
Where there is darkness, light,
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For:
It is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.St. Francis of Assisi

Practice

If you are not currently involved in any service work, now is the time to review your weekly/monthly schedule and find a few hours in it where you can step into service at church, in your community, in your children's school or any charitable or non-profit organization of your choice. Listen to your inspiration and respond with your passion. We are called to duty because we were all given gifts we can share with joy and compassion.

Resources

Rohr, Richard OFM. How Do We Breathe Underwater? The Gospel and 12-Step Spirituality. Center for Action and Contemplation. (go to the Links menu to connect to the web-site)

Dick B. The Good Book and the Big Book. A.A.'s Roots in the Bible. Kihei, HI: Paradise Research Publications, Inc., 1997